'Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil,' a Tamil-language political satire film, marks the directorial debut of Nithish Sahadev in the Tamil film industry. Released on January 15, 2026, to coincide with the Pongal festival, the film stars Jiiva in the lead role, supported by Prathana Nathan, Thambi Ramaiah, and Ilavarasu. Sahadev, previously acclaimed for his Malayalam film 'Falimy' (2023), ventures into Tamil cinema with a story co-written by him, Sanjo Joesph, and Anuraj O. B. The movie is described as a dark humor drama or comedy-drama, set in a rural backdrop, exploring themes of family dynamics, local politics, and societal quirks. The narrative revolves around a panchayat president (Jiiva) navigating complex family tensions during a wedding, complicated by a death in a neighboring household and ensuing chaos. Reviews from various credible sources, including Lensmen Reviews, The Hindu, and Only Kollywood, acknowledge the film as an earnest attempt at a social satire. While praised for its unique concept, comedic elements, and Jiiva's performance, some critics noted that the film, at 115 minutes, 'works in parts' and that certain character arcs or tracks could have been more fully developed. Despite being a mixed bag for some, it has been largely appreciated for its genuine intentions and relatable exploration of human emotions and stubbornness within a village setting.